Paul Marc and Ciprian Costescu

Abstract

The characterization of the material through laboratory tests performed on asphalt mixtures offers significant performance predictions for asphalt pavements only when the material temperature is correctly taken into consideration. This paper presents an analytical pattern which, based on the thermo-physical characteristics, can predict correctly the distribution of temperatures in the mass of asphalt mixtures.

The paper also presents the organizational structure of laboratory testing, designed to validate the model for temperature determination. The temperature measurements are realized on a range of cylindrical samples at different moments in time, after submitting the sample from a low balance condition to a high balance condition by placing it in the environment precinct, according to the future test.

In conclusion, the paper aims at realizing and developing a model as a practical instrument able to offer a reliable assessment concerning the time required in order to reach the testing temperature specified for the samples of asphalt mixtures for different laboratory trials.